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| Doctor Visits: 5 Tips To Make Them More Effective |
 When you take an elderly parent to the doctor, be prepared.Doctor visits are much more complex these days. They have heavier patient loads, make more diagnoses per visit and manage multiple medicines. Those of our elderly parent's generation take the doctors word as gospel. But, boomers like you and me are better informed and like to have their own opinions about their care. You get better results when you actively participate in your parent's care. To get the most from your time with the doctor, have an agenda ready with your thoughts organized and written down. Is your mom displaying certain symptoms? Jot down when they began and what you observed. Take a list of her medicines, too, including dosages and frequency. If medicines are prescribed ask about the side effects, the costs and what food, drink or activities should be avoided while on the medicine. If possible, schedule the appointment as early in the day as possible. Doctors try to cram in too many patients every day. Add that to emergencies and delays during hospital rounds and it's easy to see how a doctor's schedule gets behind. Earlier appointment are less likely to be impacted by schedule changes. Get the office staff involved with simple health care questions. It will eliminate the frustration of waiting to talk to the doctor. Ask a member of the doctor's patient care team the routine questions. Let the doctor know about activities your mom can no longer do. If she liked to knit or sew but doesn't now because her hands and fingers ache, share them with the doctor. Your doctor may have effective treatments that improve her quality of life. Make a list of your medical concerns about your parent's health and prioritize them. If your dad is depressed or under stress caring for your mom, tell his doctor. If mom has occassional urinary incontinence, your doctor may be able to help. |